Myths surround Leonowens

However, I would like to correct a statement made in the story. Leonowens did not claim or even “hint at” a “fling” with the King. There was no suggestion of romance, though she did hint that the King might have liked her to join his harem (a fanciful and clearly far-fetched suggestion). The idea of romantic feelings between the King and the schoolteacher was concocted long after Leonowens’ death by Hollywood for the musical and film “The King and I” (1956). The later film, “Anna and the King” (1999) starring Jodie Foster, took this fabrication further. The first film, “Anna and the King of Siam” (1946) did not depict a romance, and it had a glittering premiere in Bangkok when it was first released, which was reported on in Time magazine.

Dr Caron Eastgate Dann

Monash University

Melbourne